| Author |
Message |
    
Vaughn Abbott
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 06:13 pm: | |
It's been a few weeks now and this news doesn't get any easier to digest. As I listen to the music I can smile one moment and forget for a second or two of Grant's passing only to have reality crash in. I have been touting and defending the Go-Betweens for over twenty years and now I just want to grab the uninitiated by the scruff of their necks and say, "See, See! See what you've missed!". Now I dive for his memory and nothing feels wasted.
Dear Robert hang in there, you feel to me like a friend that I wish I could be there for, like the many times your's and Grant's music have been there for me. And when you are ready, please, please, please make your beautiful music again.
With love and sympathy,
Vaughn |
Baard Blekken
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 08:45 pm: | |
What saddening news. The real grief, I imagine, belongs to those closest. For me, the sence of loss is equaled by the pure gratitude that such a man was here in those all to few years. It is a rare and valuable gift to be able to communicate in such a beatiful and intelligent manner. Makes one humble, both in respect to McLennan and to the medium of music.
Baard, Norway |
amparo arias
Member
Username: Ampy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 11:35 am: | |
I wish you were able to find the reasons of your existence while living here...your music has been one of mine. Thank you very much.
Amp |
Matt Ellis
Member
Username: Matt_ellis
Post Number: 114
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 04:45 pm: | |
I like several other people would like to add to my original comments I made on the day of Grants death. I was very choked and couldn't really find any words to say - apart from how much I enjoyed seeing them live many times last year. I still can't really find many words. I always found Grant's music and lyrics so poetic and full of strong imagery - something I'd looked for musically for a long time until I discovered The Go-Betweens. I spent most of the week after his death with combinations of Quiet Heart ,Boundary Rider and Finding You constantly playing in my head.
I was remembering back to last year...on the week leading up to my Birthday I watched the Go-Betweens at three shows on the British leg of their tour. Ocean's Apart had just been released and it was begining to sink in just how good an album it was. I had a massive treat on my Birthday: they played in London - where I live. On my birthday this year, a few days after Grant's death I thought it was fitting to visit for the first time 'Ocean's Apart' bar in South London. I read somewhere that Grant had decided to name the record after this pub (which is near to the studios where they recorded the album). It took us an hour and a half to get to the pub from my area of London and it was exactly as Grant described "It looked like a Miami Versace bar, a fish out of water."
Thanks for everything Grant. God Bless. |
kevin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 11:45 pm: | |
I only heard the news today. Thank you Grant for all those beautiful sad whistful romantic sometimes haunted songs, full of unconquerable yearning. He reached some parts of the heart that no-one else could. A poet is no more. |
Martin, Hamburg, Germany
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 04:00 pm: | |
I cannot stop stop listening to "Boundary Rider". ..it´s so moving..
THANK YOU Grant McLennan for everything your otherworldly wonderful songs provided. You will not be forgotten in a hundred years because your music lives on. God bless you. |
jenny
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 10:31 pm: | |
God bless you for everything, Grant and Robert. i'm not quite sure what to say. It was always hard to explain exactly what it was about your music, so perhaps it's best not to say too much. At the national pop league in glasgow on friday night, your songs were played over and over and over and it's hard to explain the sadness and the joy and above all the devotion that these songs inspired in everyone there. grant was a gentle, good, unusual soul who just happened to write some of the most beautiful music ever conceived. god bless. |
Michael Fiddian
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 01:38 am: | |
It's amazing to feel such loss for a person you only even knew at a distance. All of a sudden our CD shelves are a place for a strange kind of mourning - we pull out the albums and put them on and hear a voice, and the smile that used to be there gets replaced by a wistful rememberance - what if we'd gone to more shows? What if we'd paid more attention? We all know that you never know what you have until it leaves you, but it never makes it easier. I know that when I, or even more importantly my kids put on the Go Betweens records that we're lucky - it's just a shame we have to find out this way.
Thanks, Grant. |
Tim Legg
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 05:00 am: | |
I just got through watching "That Striped Sunlight Sound" DVD. I couldn't keep my eyes off of Grant, because I still can't believe that he's gone. My only comfort comes from watching him perform and knowing that he was so incredibly happy doing what he loved to do - bringing joy to those who were lucky enough to witness his brilliance.
My first introduction to the Go-Betweens was in 1997 or 1998, when I watched 120 minutes on MTV in the USA every weekend. The video for "Bye Bye Pride" played in regular rotation during that time and I was mesmerized every time it played. I rushed out to buy the album "Tallulah" and have been a fiercely loyal fan ever since. After listening to "Tallulah", I had an insatiable appetite for more of that Go-Betweens magic. I purchased a cassete of "Metal and Shells", a US only release which contained the best material from the first two albums. I used to drive around in the neighborhood near work on my lunch break almost every day listening to that album really loud with the windows down. I've never loved an album as much as I loved "Metal and Shells" and my passion for it literally consumed me at times.
The album "16 Lover's Lane" was released and it was the most romantic, yet bittersweet, album I had every heard. I was in a very intense relationship at the time and the album was a perfect soundtrack for that time of my life. I was lucky enough to see the Go-Betweens play live in Houston during the tour for "16 Lovers Lane". To this day, it's the best concert I've seen and I've seen many more than most people.
One of the saddest days of my life was when the Go-Betweens split up and one of the happiest was when they reunited. If there was ever justice in the fickle world of music critics, it was when "Ocean's Apart" received 5 star reviews from scores of independent publications from across the globe.
I want to offer Grant's family and friends (especially Robert), my deepest sympathy. I know there will be a lot of people telling Robert how to best honor his life-long friend. My only hope is that he'll continue to make music. I want to thank Robert and Grant from the bottom of my heart for making the most incredible music that I will cherish forever. I can hear Grant singing:
"At night I haunt the Boulevard;
To The Songs of Sacha"...
Grant, you can haunt my boulevard any time. May you rest in peace knowing that your light will burn brightly and guide us through the nights to come. |
john morrissey
Member
Username: Johnmorr
Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 09:49 am: | |
I just heard about Grants death last night. Can't believe it, will be missed by all who loved his music. Sympathy to all his family and friends. I first saw the Go-Betweens in Dublin, 1988, and it was an amazing experience. Their music was exceptional, I feel like I have lost something special.
rest in peace Grant. |
paul conklin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 06:11 pm: | |
So many specifics, so many generalities. From those beautiful posts in mourning from all those north countries and even from the general posts; and from Grant himself, and even from those stupid sweatshirts that he wore. Yes, the soundtrackto my life, along with a select few others for whom others will substitute their own. And, yes, still every memory rooted to THAT SPECIFIC PLACE, and that specific, awkward angular beat still inspiring me in the work I do. God bless; and goddamn for leaving, Grant. I'll miss you.
Requisite impressions? None so specific as I'd wish. I remember still the reluctance to which I said no to a beer with Grant and his 'mates' in the basement NYC1995 Mercury Lounge THE RETURN SHOW. I'm no Simone or Perry, nor was I the blonde on his left. My crime, in retrospect, was having to drive back to Philadelphia. (I still feel guilty.) Of course this is so much less a complaint ten years later than a tribute to the man's generosity. I remember, same concert, swiping his set list the very second he launched into his last song and knowing, somehow, that he wouldn't mind. And I remember driving in the rain one month later, with a very important girlfriend- natch (it's the Go-Betweens!); and saying to her that the beauty of Tallulah my alltime favorite album is that robert says 'go away, go away', and you don't believe him; grant says 'come here, come here', and you do.
Personality wise, fashion wise, he always let himself stand in the background and smile at this wonderful monster he'd helped create. I shook his hand. I got thrown out of one of his concerts for I still don't know what and begged my way back in promising to be good. 'This is my all-time favorite band,' I said to the bouncer. I meant it then. I mean it now. 'Cattle and Cane' of course; but 'Bye Bye Pride' has no topper. (And 'Finding You' is where I'm looking.)
God what a pisser.
Love, Paul |
mark scott
Member
Username: Chimple
Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 10:25 am: | |
the two times that i visited brisbane,i could tell the "locals" were proud of the go-betweens,and if thomas and annette burke are reading this,:hello!
currently reading the latest edition of "mojo" mag,it has a cd of covers of the whole of the "revolver" album,and artists choosing their fave beatles track.robert f has a go.(cant remember which one he goes for).i'd imagine theres already talk of a similar tribute album to grant an rob.
they deserve it,they are a classic couple of players.
r.i.p grant.
love from mark scott,in ipswich.england. |
Andrew Stafford
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 12:19 pm: | |
I have resisted posting a message here until now, for what reason I'm not sure. I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan, the website's administrator and Bernard from Lo-Max at Grant's funeral, and I knew that messages of support and sympathy were flooding in.
I have written an article on Grant's life and work which will be published in an Australian journal called Griffith Review later this year. It's not appropriate to put it all in here, but my favourite memory of Grant is captured in the introduction:
"I was scrounging for records in a little store in Brisbane’s West End the last time I saw Grant. We were both regulars there and it was no surprise at all to see him wander in, bending to pick up a street magazine at the door as he entered. He ended up buying a Dylan album – Bob’s latest, Love and Theft, which he knew and loved, but didn’t own – and I bought a Dave Graney CD, My Life on the Plains, which I’ve barely listened to since.
It had been a while since we’d run into each other. We were friendly, but not really friends. I’d known him for ten years, but it was rare for me to talk to him without a tape recorder sitting between us. The longest time we’d ever spent together was a couple of hours, when I interviewed him about his band, the Go-Betweens, for a book I was writing based on Brisbane’s music history, Pig City (University of Queensland Press, 2004). That was a few years ago now.
We weren’t doing anything much at the time, and our chance meeting extended into coffee, then lunch. That was good. Like I said, we weren’t friends – not really. But Grant was sweet that way. He always had time, was always interested in what was going on in your world, and he proved to be an excellent listener and conversationalist. It was the first time we’d really talked to each other outside of our respective roles.
Grant cut quite a figure, not that he looked like a rock star at all. He dressed down, even on stage: faded jeans and sneakers and crumpled t-shirt, and he played mainly acoustic guitar with few fancy frills or poses. But he had an innate style, and was a proud snob. We watched a man cross Boundary Street – shirtless, in shorts and thongs, a heavy beer gut hanging over his hips. Grant didn’t bother to conceal his disgust. 'Look at that,' he muttered, shaking his head. 'What a barbaric country we live in!'"
Goodbye Grant, we miss you so much, and best wishes to all members of the band past and present. |
Martin Ay
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 12:23 am: | |
It´s still unbelievable yet so just a few words: 1987, Berlin, Loft: one of the best concerts i´ve ever seen so far. 2005, Berlin, Columbia Club: again one of the best concerts i´ve ever seen
so far.
2006: no more Go-Betweens from now on……
Thank you Grant and thank you Robert for nearly 30 years of bringing good feelings to me with your always wonderful music.
Sad, sad regards from Martin Ay, Berlin, Germany |
James from Hoboken
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 03:39 am: | |
The Go-Betweens provided a soundtrack for the formative years of my young adulthood.
Thank you Grant.
My thoughts and prayers to all of those who were touched by the man personally as I was touched by him as an artist.
He will be missed. |
Joerg Eckert
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 05:58 am: | |
I'm remaining speechless...being so sad for days..
Saw you last year in Frankfurt, was an awesome
show, cheered me up for weeks...
Thank you for all those years of wonderful music
and your warm melancholy.
Goodbye Grant, we will never forget you !!! |
Iván
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 12:09 pm: | |
Desde España, en mi propia lengua, condolencias por la muerte de Grant McLennan a la familia, amigos y fans.
"But don't forget the songs That made you cry And the songs that saved your life"
Gracias por las canciones, Grant. |
Si Farrier
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 09:59 pm: | |
Now I know what people felt when Elvis died.
The greatest songwriter ever.
I urge everybody to explore his solo albums and also the "far out corporation" cd and the two "jack frost" cds. |
Luke
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 07:14 am: | |
Thank you for the music Grant. I was only introduced to The Go-Betweens recently but your death is profoundly affecting. Your songs are incredibly beautiful and you somehow injected the feel of Brisbane into so many of them.
RIP & Cheers!!!! |
Tim
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 10:49 am: | |
I recently attended a Richard Hawley gig in Portsmouth,UK. Just to let you know - Hawley paid tribute to his "good friend, Grant McClennan, of the Go-Betweens" |
Anne Hoener
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 11:00 am: | |
I read about the sad news only a few days ago, and I am still amazed that the death of someone you never met personally can affect you in such a way. Maybe the reason is that once you like someone’s music very much, you start to believe that you know him. Of course that is just your imagination, but it makes you miserable anyway.
I have listened to the Go-Betweens quite a lot lately, I even bought Grant’s solo albums after the wonderful concert last summer in Cologne. For me it is not just the music, it is his voice that adds much to the magic of his songs, such as in Apology Accepted or Boundary Rider. There was so much we still expected from the Go-Betweens, it all seems so unfair.
All my best wishes to Robert, to Grant’s friends and his family.
take your shoes and go outside, stride over stride
Anne |
Alex Durand
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 11:37 am: | |
Shocked,the saddest thing. So much part of my life without me realising until now, so many special songs that have been with me for the last 20 years. Thoughts with all family, friends and Robert.
Alex |
simone
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 10:30 pm: | |
He was a lovely bloke. It was good to know him when people like that were few and far between in my life. Rest in peace. His music will still carry ovar to my flat on the brissie river even tho everyone has gone for many years. |
Christian Schuh
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 04:39 am: | |
Just come home from a Go-Betweens all-nighter, which may not have been planned, but just happened. Normally it´s a Punk and Rockabilly place. But from the first song we had, it was about six hours in a row. Probably every B-side they´ve ever recorded, we all sang along. We had everything.
I don´t know if I should be happy or sad. Happy about this great night or sad about the loss. I guess, I should be happy.
Frankfurt am Main loves You, Grant! You and EINTRACHT! We´ll meet You next time around somewhere up there. |
London Monty
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 08:11 am: | |
I only saw the news a day ago. I'll be playing the special songs again today. Thank you for them, and for daring to write the things that men sometimes find hard to say. Thoughts with family and friends. |
Thomas Mc Enery
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 11:33 am: | |
Thank you for your bright ray Grant . |
James Cobb
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 04:30 pm: | |
I really can't believe it. When songs affect your life as much as Grant's have you feel you have lost a part of yourself.
Thanks for everything Grant. |
wiggy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 09:01 pm: | |
it seemed to me through his songs that grant was the most warm, beautiful soul. music like that is truly so rare and precious. last week, npl in glasgow was dedicated to him, and they played cattle and cane with the glitterball swimming, and everybody dancing. i'll never forget it. thank you so much. xxx |
Eann Sinclair
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 10:41 pm: | |
Just read the news in the latest issue of Uncut. Unbelievable. I'd just played "In Your Bright Ray" for the first time in ages the day before. memories of a great Glasgow gig on the comeback tour. So many great songs to remember him by. Summer in the Highlands of Scotland? Nah, just lots of spring rain....... |
jan
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 12:52 am: | |
Today I drove from Berlin to Stuttgart which is, speaking for German standards,cruising the world, for everybody else: a trip crossing the country (~700 km). I really don't know why but at sunset I felt like playing OCEAN'S APART on the Car's CD player, more because of the setting than of thoughts of Grant (I thought I had left all "this" behind). It came all together: I had to stop the car and let some tears roll down the cheeks, feeling WHY,WHY,WHY?
No answer but a slight feeling that his music will always stay with those who listened to Grant's songs. Some, literally, changed my life, bring up memories, some bitter, some wonderful and while writing this I still can't understand why. I cannot put into words what his and the BG's music means to me.
Again, all my heartfelt thoughts to his family and his friends.
MAY YOUR SONGS ALWAYS BE SUNG. |
suzanne parsons
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 07:53 am: | |
I had to write, as the grief is still strong. This is someone I never met, but boy, do I miss. The songs just keep going round in my head, so Grant will never be truly gone, but there was just so much more. We all know and feel that so strongly, I guess thats the cruel part. Love to all go-betweens and Grant's family. We were all blessed for a while. |
edised
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 02:09 pm: | |
I was just rediscovering the Go-Betweens, a band I grew up with. With the band we used to play songs like "karen" or"Love Goes On". So I started to catch up with their latest albums 2 months ago...Probably the best they've done so far.
What a shock, when the other day I wanted to google for a recent interview of the band only to find out about the tragedy. As many people here I never had the opportunity to know Grant, only through his songs. It's always sad when somebody is no more, but at least he hasn't gone without leaving a legacy of fantastic songs behind him.
My sympathy go to his family and friends, and a special thought for Robert Foster...
I'm sure Grant will be with you next time you'll pick up your guitar to write a new song, you will remain his best medium wherever he is.
Thanks Grant, rest in Peace.
Thanks the Go-Betweens |
Heath Pardoe
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 05:35 am: | |
I've been out of Australia and only just found out today that Grant McLennan passed away. I came to the Go-Betweens very late, only last year in fact when a friend suggested we go and see them play here in Melbourne. The show was amazing and since then I've listened to their albums constantly.
The memory that sticks in my mind is when I was playing 16 Lovers Lane whilst driving around Tasmania with my father and "Streets of your town" came on and my father recognized it and said how much he liked the song back in the '80s. It's fairly rare that my father and I agree on what a good song is but on this sunny day somewhere between Hobart and Launceston we were in agreement.
My condolences to his family and friends, the world has lost a brilliant musician and songwriter.
Heath |
David G.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 12:23 pm: | |
A month later, and "all you do is carry on." For most of the world it is old news, for some, it is an ache everyday.
Vale |
anonymous
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 04:34 pm: | |
Paul Conkin - no one wore a tee-shirt like Grant, that is, elegantly. No-one |
nowan
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 08:16 pm: | |
I'm very sik off the news i just see it today
My condolences to his family and friends don't now whaT To say
Rick from holland |
Doug
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 11:05 am: | |
Just heard the sad news when I got home from overseas.
What can I add to what all the others have said?
It was "Cattle & Cane" that first hooked me in. Browsing the records in a store and reading the lyrics on the back cover. The whole thing about "A bigger, brighter world, a world of books and silent times in thought".
It just made sense. It still does and always will.
We'll miss you, Grant. |
gabriel Angello
Member
Username: Dylansdisciple
Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 12:58 pm: | |
God Bless the 'beautiful soul' of Grant Mclennan.
And God bless his 'musical-cobber' Robert, and all the various members of the Go-Betweens who supported them over the years. Tim and Neil Finn
are the greatest songwriters to come out of my country-NewZealand, and Robert and Grant are the greatest to come out of Aussie. LuvYu Grant. RIP. |
David Leonard
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 05:00 pm: | |
The Go-Betweens music touched me like no other band. I was lucky enough to see them play at Shepherds Bush Empire and though I have been to many gigs this was an absolute highlight. I never had the chance to meet Grant Mclennan but felt like I knew him through his music.
My deepest sympathy to his friends (especially Robert) and his family.
Thank you Grant for all the great music you made, you will be greatly missed. |
Jon Rouse
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 03:09 pm: | |
As I read all the tributes, I'm crying and I don't cry easily. I am just so grateful to you Grant that you gave us so many beautiful songs that have woven themselves through my adult life. And that those songs are for us forever. Sympathy to all those who were close to you. |
christian brook
Member
Username: Christianb
Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 04:09 pm: | |
So many memories.
First hearing the band on an NME cassette in 84; thrilling to the subsequent purchase of Spring Hill Fair; seeing the group for the fist time at Fat Sam's in Dundee in the early summer of 86 and smiling all the way through; empty months at the end of 88 made easier for having 16 Lovers Lane (sometimes we don't come through, sometimes we just get by); watching him live in late 1990 at the Borderline in London and doing a "cover" of Clouds ("The great thing about being a solo artist is that you get the chance to sing your favourite songs by other songwriters," said Grant before launching into the song. After he finished, a heckler challenged him that the comment was just a cute intro. "No," countered Grant - "that really is one of my favourite ever songs." He meant it); seeing him beaming broadly in the crowd at one of Robert's live shows; over-the-moon that the band had got back together; the wonderful shows at the Jazz Cafe and the Barbican; the brilliance of Oceans Apart - they were getting better and better.
Just a last couple of thoughts: at that Fat Sam's gig the band encored with Apology Accepted. At the end, Grant looked so tired and at the point of collapse, and his glance to the audience seemed to say "Sorry - I just can't do any more." You just wanted to run up and give the guy a big hug. Apology accepted? None needed, mate - you were wonderful.
So thanks for everything, Grant, wherever you are. I took this chance to write a message... It's just to say that I'll miss you. |
Keith
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 05:24 pm: | |
Lunchtime, raining. No cricket to catch up on. I know, I’ll check out the GB’s website, haven’t been there for a few weeks, wonder what they’re up to.
Oh look, they’ve changed it – there’s a picture of Grant on the homepage. Strange, they normally do that when people are…
Oh no. Oh no no no no no. Forty-eight. Forty-eight! Poor Grant. Poor Robert. Poor us.
Never spoke to him, never came closer than 10 feet (The Jazz Café, ’99) but am knocked sideways by the news and the sense of loss. Still can’t believe it.
All my sympathy to his friends and family – if this is how I feel…
A great life, a huge loss. Thank you Grant, goodbye. |
jeff14
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 11:30 pm: | |
Grant jumped off stage at one GB's gig and sung a song to my girlfriend. Any other artist and I would have been jealous, but I couldn't have been more proud! I have always considered the GB's my favorite band and expect to continue for as long as live. Thanks for all of the great music. What a huge, huge loss. |
Kriv
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 07:49 am: | |
I just got back from overseas last week, and today was told about Grant's passing by a friend on the street.
At first I continued to walk in a stunned daze and then as the memories began to surface, so did my sadness.
The sadness is still there, but so are the memories and so is the music.
Thank you Grant. |
Ralf Kleimann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:15 am: | |
Just want to say goodbye to someone I never ever talked to. Listening to the go-betweens for more than 20 years now it feels like knowing who they are. Grant to me has had something that I hardly can describe (it may be the lacking of English skills as I am German) - his aura was so extremely positive comparable to the Dalai Lama´s. From all what I´ve been reading here and my own impression of Grant I do believe that he achieved a state of being other people aim for.
Vielen Dank fuer Deine Musik, fuer Dein Laecheln, fuer die Bekanntschaft mit Deinem Wesen. Die letzten beiden Konzerte in Bielefeld waren wunderbar. Dieses Kompliment geht auch an Robert und die Band.
To everyone who knew Grant: How fortunate you are having received pure love and energy through him and his music - an artist who is so authentic that his work lives on forever. Your beautiful smile I´ll never forget... |
Ralph Herrmann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 06:58 am: | |
Ich habe die Nachicht erst gestern erhalten und war geschockt. Die Musik der Go-Betweens und
Grant McLennans begleitet mich jetzt bereits über 20 Jahre meines Lebens. Mit bestimmten Liedern verbindet man immer besondere Momente in seinem Leben. Es ist etwas anderes die Songs zu hören in dem Wissen das Grant Tod ist. |
pallish
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 09:53 pm: | |
Swedish Rockband kent performed a cover of "Quiet Heart" as a tribute to Grant at the Hultsfredsfestival in Sweden. |
Marion Stout
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 08:24 pm: | |
Like most people who have come into contact with The Go-Betweens, either personally or through their music, I hold the band in my heart.
Since the 1980`s when I had the privilege to write one of the lyrics of a B-side single which the band recorded. Though I didn`t know Grant or other band members personally, I always felt they were truly decent, caring and intelligent people.
Especially Grant who appeared charming charismatic and endearing both on stage and through his music.
I felt truly sorry when I heard the terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family friends and band members.
I will forever remember this man as a gentle giant in the tough world of the Music Industry.
Sincerely
Marian Stout
Ireland |
Steven Walker
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 08:27 pm: | |
Flicking through a copy of Uncut magazine i was deeply sad to see an obituary for Grant McLennan.
I've been following the musical journey of Grant and Robert since 'I need two heads' with joy and a little jealousy. What a wonderful body of work Grant leaves behind. I've lost count of the times that i have been struck by the beauty of Grants writing, especially his verse to chorus changes. Clever and subtle always pushing his songs onto another level. The lyrics were also in another class, sensitive and scholarly, mixing melancholy and love like an alchemist.
It's a cruel business that overlooks such gems for banalities and baubles. The Go-betweens were and are somehow just too good, The Velvets
of their generation damned to commercial obscurity but feted by people who listen for those moments of magic and good taste. Thanks Grant you made the world a finer place.
It's cold and dusty in here without you.
Sorry about your friend Robert, you have the memories and the music. |
Johan Söderström
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 01:24 pm: | |
I just wanted to add a few lines here since Grant to me was number one in the world of pop. Alongside Robert of course, it´s impossible to separate them and I can´t imagine the pain and sorrow he is going through right now. I just wanted to thank you for all the lovely tunes you have created. On countless occassions I have had your songs in my head. They have cheered me up when sad or just made me think in different directions. So many of them has really spoken directly to my heart. Grant also seem to have been such a nice human being. In spite of his wonderful talent he seemed very down to earth.
I am very sad to say that the last time I saw him was at a concert in Oslo in 2003 that I now probably won´t forget for the rest of my life. His passing away has affected me deeply. Thank you for everything.
Johan Söderström, Sweden. |
Jason
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 07:36 am: | |
I felt it was time I added my thoughts on dear Grant's passing. It has been a tough few weeks for all of us but tonight, after watching the 'Right Here' video on You Tube (after a few libations!}, I felt the timing was correct.
The first Go-betweens album (yep, vinyl) I bought was Liberty Belle... and I immediately fell in love with it. Everything I enjoyed in music was contained on those two sides; melody, poignancy, humour and passion.
It was apparent that the two songwriters brought their own unique styles to the party. However, the trick was they both completed each other like brie with grape (shit analogy but you get the picture). I was sold from that moment on and despite not seeing them until King Tuts' in Glasgow a few years back, I always followed their progress and was lucky enough to see their acoustic gig at Avalanche in Edinburgh last year and witness MC McLennan in Edinburgh's Broughton Street the same evening.
Two months ago I went to see Roddy Frame at the Queeen's Hall and knew he would pay tribute in some shape or form. When he began to play The Wrong Road I felt Grant was in the hall with us, and the fact that only a handfull of people stood up and applauded as Roddy strummed the opening chords told me a lot. Firstly, that Grant's & Robert's music never reached the larger audience it should have, and secondly, that the people who have been touched by Brisbane's finest will NEVER ever forget and will continue to spread the word.
After many years have decided to start playing music again and Grant, it is all down to you.
Love to all of you and thanks for being there.
Miss you Grant. |
Paul Readman
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, July 01, 2006 - 01:58 pm: | |
Following an accident on 7th May I've been out of circulation for a while and only learned of Grant's sudden death on Wednesday evening. I was saddened and very upset by the news. It has taken me a couple of days to compose myself enough to contribute some sort of measured tribute.
I can add little to the wonderful tributes given already without sounding glib. I came to the Go Betweens music late, missing them first time round and working backwards via Bellavista Terrace and then gorging myself on the expanded re-releases and the new albums. Without a doubt the music does stand the test of time, the earlier albums were over 20 years old when I first heard them and I expect to keep returning to them throughout the rest of my life.
I saw the band at Shepherd's Bush Empire last May, and was struck not just by the expected quality of the music but also by how much the band were personally enjoying themselves. It's hard to accept that there can never be a repeat of this great evening.
My deepest sympathies go out to Grant's family and friends, and if it's any consolation to them his music is treasured by myself and many others and will continue to be so. He made an impact and contribution in his life and you should be proud to have known him.
With sincere sympathy.
Paul Readman (unregisted guest)
Harrow
UK |
Bry
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 06:11 pm: | |
Fittingly, stupidly I recieved my MOJO Beatles issue weeks too late and one of the first pages I flipped to was the announcement of Grant's departure - yeah, it ruined my day but couldn't help think "Geez, what a romantic way to depart". You guys have no idea how you helped this soul from being a mere 80's casualty - the Black Diamond lp as the soundtrack for those humid Michigan summers while I got my first taste of freedom from graduating high school - Talulah to coincide spiritual awakening and 16 Lovers Lane was the cd that played when I had to make serious choices in that path to wherever - I chose the weird, bumpy one that barely existed. Then I saw you folks in Detroit - '89 w/ A House as the opener - met the band - Lindy was flirty "You're a boy w/ bee-u-tifool hair". Robert graciously accepted this Peace Button I had given him and Grant - what a gentleman, very courteous and patient (John Wilsteed could barely keep his eyes focused from whatever you folks were drinking). Much later Oceans Apart is another soundtrack for my life that I thank Robert and Grant for, what a masterpiece it's been for my current environment here in Montana. Pick any song and coincide it with these snowy peaks and rolling rivers, it's a good thing. So many songs that are engraved in my soul from the both of you. I need to say to you Robert that I recently lost an old friend as well a few months back, we weren't as close in the later years but he was the first musical foil I'd ever had and played a significant part in my life - it's weird, after I found out about the passing I felt I dug up an old trunk of memories, talked with him and perhaps helped him find his way. You might be taking a rest from the guitar or whatever but somehow, your foil leads you back. Take care and thanks for all of the music. Bry/Montana |
Jan Wilkens
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 06:48 pm: | |
I met an old friend on my birthday (May/11) in Berlin and was totally happy about the fact, that a local radio station was playing Grant's songs the whole night.
What a shock when I heard just an hour later why this was happening! It can't be true!
Grant - thank you for all your fantastic songs. They are smooth, warm, gentle, emotional, sad. They all carry something in them, which is simply not expressable - something I deeply love and admire. Thank you for all the joy I feel when I listen to them - you really touched me and always will.
I know it sounds stupid: I understand that nothing can last forever, but I simply cannot believe, that you have gone and there will be no other song - with your typical guitar sound and beautiful calm voice.
I'll miss you.
Jan
Jan Wilkens, Cologne/Germany |
Gernick Kuik
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 11:03 pm: | |
I only just found out and I feel like I've been suckerpunched. Kicking myself for not going to see them live last year. You just think I'll catch em next time
A bridge. They deserve so much more. Grant should have his own bridge.
Thank you Grant for the glorious music.
Strength and love to those left without Grant. |
Mark Hutchinson
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 04, 2006 - 09:00 pm: | |
A month ago I read of Grant’s sad death whilst browsing the magazines in a local supermarket – I completed the remainder of my shopping in a complete daze being unable to come to terms with the news printed on the page. Though I didn’t know him, I love his songs and I can pay him no greater tribute than to say that the strength of his writing brought him close enough to me to make his loss personal. I have spent the last month playing nothing but his and Go-Betweens music and can think of nothing else I’d like to listen to.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Mark Hutchinson. Yorkshire, England. |
Michael M
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 11:46 pm: | |
To Grant...
Amazing work while u were with us....
hope u r living it up where- ever u r :P
listening to "spring rain" while i am typing this
A beautiful man with a beautiful soul
cheers
Mick |
Thomas Kunzmann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 07:34 pm: | |
In the late 90ies i was living quite near to Dresden and Berlin. For concerts i was travelling alot. Robert Forster was (and still is) one of my favourites, saw him in Dresden at the Starclub - and accidentely, by helping him to sign a record, spelling the german given name "RAINER" we got in contact, and finally we lift up some drinks at the bar. We were talking about good ol' Go-Between-times and the contact to Grant. At this moment i felt the hidden feeling. Robert invited me to see the show next day in Berlin. And I have been there.
Both had been solo acting this time, and successful as well. I always thought ... they continue their music parallel, in teared ways ...
Years later, must have been 2002 or 2003, I arrived at Cologne airport coming from Vienna, i saw a concert announced: Go-Betweens. Same day. I stepped into my hotel, left luggage there without checking in and turned over to "Kantine", where the concert was in, right in time. I heard songs from the "old" and "new" Go-Betweens ... i heard songs of Grant, sung by Robert and "Baby Stones" performed by Grant. I am not a very sentimenal listener, but it must have been a STONE - who wouldn't have tears in the eyes that moment. To me it was as emotional as Townes van Zandt at the "Berlin Independent Days"
On May 11th 2006 Christine Heise at radioeins made a special transmission in memoriam to one of the best australian singer/songwriter, who died just a cuple of days before. This was the moment i registrated his death. So for now its too late to say to Grant "thanks for your music", but i like to say "THANK YOU BOTH" for one of the most emotional moments in my life. And Robert? You've been always in contact to Grant - anyway, I thank You too, even if u don't remember Dresden or Berlin.
I am not the first. I won't be the last, but i am one of those, who'll keep Go Betweens unforgotten.
Thank You, Grant and Robert for Your songs.
Thank You, Christine, for showing me the way to their music.
Thomas |
Simon Wade
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 09:08 am: | |
There are very few days that I neiether hear your voice or lyrics so thanks for all the wonderfull inspiration you gave to me and continue to do so . keeping things simple is an art in itself . Much love to all your friends and family |
Seán O'Connell
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 09:55 am: | |
Only heard the news a couple of days ago through a wee article in Les Inrockuptibles here in France about the bridge. It's almost as big a blow as hearing about John Peel's death a few years back.
Last saw RF / GM in the late 90s in Dublin when I think I drunkenly (me, not him) exchanged 1 phrase with Grant afterwards which brought him up memories of the Trinity Ball 10 years previously.
I believe they both had a soft spot for Ireland - 'poetry that's Irish and so black'
so I sing for you, Grant, the lines of a great Irish song for such times :
"Since it must fall unto my lot, that I must rise, and you must not,
I'll gently rise, and softly call : 'Goodnight and joy be with you all' "
Here's a parting glass to ye...
All my sympathy to all close to him, and especially Robert Forster
Seán O'CONNELL
originally Dublin, IRELAND
now Agen, FRANCE |
Steven
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 01:34 pm: | |
I've been trying to write something meaningful about Grant and his passing since the day I heard the horrible news but it always ends with me becoming a blubbering idiot. If I keep it short and too the point I think I might make it through. Grant's music was beautiful, poignant, imaginative, poetic, original, magical, heartfelt, engaging, shinning, and perfect - all at once. We will keep your memory alive with the music you left behind for us. I can't wait until have my first child so I can say "just wait until you hear this!". And one day he or she will do the same. In that way, Grant will outlive us all.
I'm going to be performing In Your Bright Ray in honor of Grant at a festival in a couple of weeks. I hope I can sing with a lump in my throat.
Steven |
Mario Kunze
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 09:51 am: | |
At the moment i just wanted to take a look if the Go betweens would have a new tour this year in Germany and instaed i got this very sad
message .
Since i saw the Go Betweens in the eighties together with REM in Frankfurt i´m a big fan of this very special kind of pop music and if someone reached it to create the perfect pop song than it must be one of the many incredible songs of Grant McLennan and Robert Forster .
I´m happy to be one of the people who got the chance to see the GoBetweens after the reunion in Darmstadt and in Frankfurt .
Your music is not only music it really reach the heart and it reach the soul .
Now Grant is gone and this door is closed but thank you for all the great music and the drunkened nights with 16 lovers lane .
Thank you again for the last 20 years . |
Kevin Seward
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 05:47 pm: | |
I feel foolish indeed that I only just learned from a notice in Tape Op magazine that Grant McLennan was dead. That was a few days ago. And as with the music, I am slowly catching up with the news.
Kinda like Grant, tho' to very obscure ends, I had a friend who convinced me to play bass. No immediate band came out of that convincing, but in the meantime, my friend had also got me into a lot of music and a mail order company, Rough Trade US. So while I was figuring out what one might do with a bass guitar, along comes Grant's quirky but melodic basslines on "I Need Two Heads" and "Stop Before You Say It". I had no clue about these guys creating this music. The 45 just had a closeup of two guys in the spindle space. But Grant's playing gave me some sense of what a bass could do. And his & Robert's overall creations were enough to set me going writing my own basslines and er, um, ah, songs. Thanks, Grant; thanks, Robert.
Drifting in some Go-Betweens deprived limbo for awhile (I am an inconstant fan and need friends in the know or much time to blunder along alone), I found a bunch of the mid 80s work on cassette. The tunes were somehow reconstellated, but I was too out of it to know anything more than: a flow of great great music back in my life. Thanks to Grant, Robert, Lindy, all involved for that.
And this cued me up for the release of 16 Lovers Lane. Much, if not all, of the Grant & Rob't solo work. The cool new stuff I'm still waking up to. More to yet fully appreciate. More to thank Grant and all of you for.
But it doesn't take away the sadness of his passing. However slowly I may follow, I was looking forward to what Grant & Robert and any willing confederates would do next. And I can only imagine Grant was too.
But again, I'm very grateful to Grant for all he's given.
And I thank Robert and every Go-Between for what they continue to bestow in recorded song & performance.
I've read the Go-Betweens are over now that Grant is gone. And I can understand that all too well.
But I do hope, Robert, that when you're ready you will carry forward what you started when you got Grant to pick up an instrument and see where the music takes you next.
With profound condolences to Grant's family & friends,
Kevin Seward |
Erin Carey
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:22 pm: | |
Thank you, Grant, for singing me through heartbreak and joy, and for telling me about an Australia I’d never know.
What a cruel loss of a true talent.
All of my respect,
-Erin |
Sergio Massarelli
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:23 pm: | |
Grant and The Go-Betweens have a special prominant place in the soundtrack of my life. Thank you so much Grant for being there. My condolences to Robert and Family and Friends. |
Bernie Brown
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 01, 2006 - 12:01 am: | |
I remember a Go Betweens show in a theatre in Richmond, Melbourne some time in the late 80's when I was high on "Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express"...Lord, how many times did I play that tape over and over far into the night out in my bungalow at Mum and dad's ?
So full of life, promise, regret, sorrow and friendship. Anyway, it was a highlight to see the band live and I remember the last song was Cattle and Cane and Grant came down into the audience and walked among us as he sang the closing lines of the song..I just wanted to grab him and give him a big hug...
Another time I drove over to Monash to see him do a solo show....too star struck to just go over after the gig and say Hi and thanks.
What I loved about Grant was this unique vibe of tenderness and gentleness... I found that a wonderful contrast to the typical beer drenched heaviness of so many other Aussie rock stars. I thought that was an important thing that the Go Betweens had that others didn't. It was okay to be tender, have feelings and express them. It was okay to love poetry. In that sense the Go Betweens were kind of like my own Lonely Hearts Club Band. As a bit of a loner, I felt like there was a place for me at their table.
His early death makes me think a little of that other great song writer, David McComb. These men gave me so much pleasure and happiness through their art and they're gone already. I reflect on the swift passing of time and am reminded of how important it is to do the things I want to do and be with the people I love, to be creative and to take pleasure in every day, because "the clock turns and it's now.." |
Ian Gordon
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 07:52 am: | |
In 1988 I lived in Rochester, NY and the Go Betweens came to town promoting Tallulah. I had been in the USA for six months or so and was mighty home sick. I had a mixed tape of Australian music that was starting to wear out from my constant playing of Cattle and Cane and That Way. The club in which the Go Betweens played had a capacity of about 300 or so, but only 50 punters had turned up. I was there with my friend Steve Dollar then the music critic on the local evening newspaper and now a jazz critic in New York city. Grant thanked the crowd for coming and predicted reviews of a small but appreciate audience. I shouted for Cattle and Cane and That Way and Grant responded with a comment about a home sick Australian in the audience. The highlight of the night for me occurred later when Grant and Robert appeared without the rest of the band with Robert accompanying Grant's singing on guitar.
They stepped off stage and approached me and Grant took my beer from my hand placed it on the table and sang me Cattle and Cane standing right in front of me. It was a beautiful gesture. I do not remember my response. But it touched me deeply. Reading Robert Forster's tribute to Grant in The Monthly I wish I had drunk less that night and talked to Grant and Robert after the show about film, literature, life, and songs.
Sometime ago a housemate stole most of my Go Between cds and all of my cds of Grant's and Robert's solo work. I am not sure if it is a tribute but I am now moved to repurchase that work. |
Stacey Chambers
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, October 01, 2006 - 09:36 pm: | |
Not having viewed the Go-Betweens site in quite some time, I was saddened to find the news there about Grant McLennan. I first heard "Love Goes On!" on late-night radio in Texas around 1988 and knew I had to hear more of this band for its beauty, sensitivity and humor. I'm so glad Grant and Robert got back together to make more albums, and following their rejoining I had the privilege of seeing the band perform at New York's Knitting Factory in 2000. Unlike some times when I have been disappointed by live performances as compared to what I hear on albums, I thoroughly enjoyed both hearing and seeing the band in person, and though I don't know them personally, I felt a connection with them as they performed. Also, I believe in heaven and think that when someone dies it is just "see you later, I'll miss you" rather than goodbye forever. And of course good things almost always come from painful times, so I hope that the Go-Betweens eventually carry on in some incarnation, and that they know what gifts they have already brought to the world through their music!
S. Chambers
New York area |
Johnny S
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 - 08:59 pm: | |
this is for him and all of those who die before they really should. tonight i'm listening to the go betweens and another musician who languished in obscurity. his name is ed haynes, and, while is talent is far humbler than that of grant and co., i feel a deep connection to his ridiculous folk music because i and my best friend, Jason, plucked his tape from the dreadful dustbin of an American music chain and made his songs our songs. i write this message because my friend was also a gifted musician who was struck down at the very beginning of his journey. he died on the side of a shitty texas highway at the hands of a drunken driver. he was 20. i guess i just want to say that grant gave us so much and i'm glad he had as much time as he did. everyone on the planet should be so lucky to live so long and touch so many hearts. i put go betweens songs on mixes for friends and strangers and they often ask me who that wonderful band is. they will live on, and grant through them. |
Michael Engelbrecht
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, November 05, 2006 - 07:52 pm: | |
My name is Michael E., I´m a radio journalist in Germany and always loved the music of the Go-Betweens. Met them two times for interviews. "Before Hollywood" was my entry card in their world. I saw the band about quite often - it was meant to be a company for a lifetime. Reading a lot of these small letters still brings tears to my eyes. There is a kind of "community" of listeners that never really met (apart from local stages), but could tell one another so much. About their experiences of the music. I never had such an intense emotional reaction about the death of a musician. So his/their songs must have found a very deep way down inside! next week I will do a radio show where death is present all around, playing Ali Farke Toure, Johnny Cash and Tom Waits. That night I will wear my old blue Go-Be´s T-shirt. Sky-blue. Grant will always be part of the music I love, here and there and everywhere. Best wishes, M. |
Luis Gómez de Barreda
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 08:50 pm: | |
Thank you Grant McLennan. This is all I can say after having known (stupidly after so many months) about you passing by. Thank you so much.
Luis, Spain. |
Toni Palanca
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 06:09 pm: | |
Since a close friend of mine (and a GB's big fan as I am) did send me a mail two days after Grant heart attack, been thinking so many times about writing a few lines on the message board...but i was way too shocked to say nothing. I started checking almost everyday the web looking for more people like me.
Some times my family and friends didn´t understand how could i be so affected about somebody that i didn´t even know. After a month a friend of mine died on a motorbike accident and that was really hard for me. He wasn't a GB´s fan but for the reason of the closure of both passing by I start kind of comparing both situations. Now six months later I often listen to GB and Grant Mclennan music and i kind of remenber both. I always love the way Grant (and Robert) could take you some places inside your heart and how they looked...I saw them on Nov 05 in Valencia (Spain) . I used "right here" as the song on my wedding day and right now on i will always be close to your music. Thanks for what you did Grant!! |
Stephen Colligan
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 09, 2007 - 02:43 pm: | |
Nearly a year on from Grants death and I thought it was time to buy That Striped Sunlight Sound DVD.I couldn't have watched it any sooner.But the time in between hasn't diminished the feelings of personal loss.Tears ran down my face at the end and I could feel my heart filling up.I didn't think it would be possible to feel this way about someone I'd never met, but through his songs there is and always will be an umbilical connection and that's why it hurts so much now. |
Chris & Terri Humphries
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:39 am: | |
Myself and my wife always listen to your music and we will forever. Grant will always feel like a part of our lives. As saddened as we are at the loss of such a great artist, we take comfort in the fact Grant's legacy will always be around. Thank you so much Grant for the music and memories. |
Ralph Davidson
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 05, 2007 - 03:40 pm: | |
I only heard about Grant tonight-I feel stupid - tis a year on and I didn't know till now. My longtime songwriting partner Laurie died in his sleep aged 50, 18 months ago and I went walkabout I've been away from OZ - in S E Asia. I got back yesterday.I saw the show on ABC and have been crying-sobbing in fact. I hope they meet up up there.Laurie played with Nick Seymour before Nick got crowded.
Something about the intelligence of the Go Betweens music and its haunting melodies has always affected me.I went to some gigs but I don't recall where , Brisbane Sydney or Melb
I lived in Brisbane from 75-81, I remember Joh fucken Bjelke Nazison and the bans on public marches and the police violence and Joh appointing that idiot to the senate that helped fraser block supply and bring down gough and the police raids of gigs , the curry shop in town, the RE, the union nights at QLD Uni the 25$ and ounce bags of ganja
The Go betweens were the best thing to ever come out of Queensland. Such beautiful songs- RIP Grant McLennan and may peace rest with your family and close friends , Thank you contributing to the soundtrack of my life |
andygriff
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 12:27 pm: | |
one year on and still missed. |
Axel Fellbach
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 10:20 pm: | |
Grant in memoriam - it still hurts but there's his and Robert's music
Axel Fellbach / Germany |
Andrew Robins
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 02:25 pm: | |
I spent the late 80's living in Brisbane as a teen, and although I hold my ancient cassette of "Tallulah" especially dear to my heart (having bought the album without ever having previously heard their sound on radio: Eureka! What a revelation), I curse my having missed seeing the Go-Betweens live. However, my very young children grow up in a household filled with the musical landscapes of the Go-Betweens: this was ever the legacy of Grant McLennan, as it will be the legacy of Robert Foster and all the other members of the Go-Betweens, and our lives are VERY much the richer. Deepest Thanks.
Vale Grant W. McLennan |
fsh
Member
Username: Fsh
Post Number: 103
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 06:07 pm: | |
I turn to hold you, you're gone.
Fingers let go, I'm gone. |
Stephen James Sakamoto
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 09:43 am: | |
Grant may your words, decency and love bring us hope for the times to come. |
carl
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 01:10 pm: | |
just listening to the intermision-CDs. beside the fact, that I own all the soloalbums of robert and grant it just shows me one more time how much I miss them as the go betweens. me, I could have easily taken another 20 of them |
Richard McElroy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, August 31, 2007 - 07:01 am: | |
sweet songs sweet tears sweet release
thank you so much
in Wisconsin |
Dan Z
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, September 10, 2007 - 11:34 pm: | |
I loved his music. I just discovered the Go-Betweens... its tragic to see such a fantastic career cut short. Much love, much thanks for the music. |
M Daniel
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 07:34 pm: | |
The Go-betweens do live on, Grant.
Three Cheers for the Go-betweens.
It was plain to see
It was what you belived in.
The music.
The story.
The feeling. |
Georgina Sheils
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 06:11 am: | |
Im 23 and have recently began listening to the Go-Betweens and i am so sad and torn inside of Grants passing. Your music fills my life which i will forever love . I will pass my albums on to my future children and your music will never be forgotten. You have changed me and i listen to a different album-especially 16LL and Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express every morning before i go to uni. Living in Melbourne can sometimes be depressing but when i listen to spring rain or head full of steam it makes me happy and i can't stop dancing. I am sorry Robert and i hope you continue to make music.
Thankyou for the life and joy you give to so many people. |
Dr Girlfriend
Member
Username: Doctor_girlfriend
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 06:24 pm: | |
I heard of the Go-betweens from my older brother who played the records all the time, so I kind of absorbed them even though i was more interested in Nirvana and Hole and Nine inch Nails at the time. but then I started liking indie rock and wanted to go back to hear his Go-betweens albusms again--and i loved them! Tallulah is my favorite and i like the later albums better than the early ones, but their all great! when I heard that Grant died, I went back and listened to them all and got into the early stuff too, especially on Before Hollywood. I miss him but i'm still discovering his solo records, so it's like he's still alive to me. I guess he will always live on with his beautiful music. |
jonwaring
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 01:28 pm: | |
Just uploaded Liberty Belle and Oceans Apart onto my new iPod, bringing back beautiful moments and brutally sad ones at the passing of Grant and knowing that there'll never be another Go Betweens album There are so many years since I picked up Tallulah and rejoiced in their reforming some six years back, but at least we have many many songs to remember Grant by, and that Robert will go on to produce more great stuff when he's good and ready. Bless you both for bringing such beauty to so many lives. |
Kefrimir Fleshilgon
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 11:17 pm: | |
Many times i have found myself living the stories through your music, it's like I'm in there, in the songs. Songs that, many of them, are connected with my life's best or worst moments, so McLennan's passing feels like a part of myself is gone too. We will really miss you and your music.
Kefrimir from Greece |
Francesco Zabban
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 08:53 pm: | |
So long, Grant...
Without you is very dusty in here.... |
kellie white
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 03:41 am: | |
This may be random, but your heart always beat so fast & now it's too quiet.I miss u...beyond comprehension Grant.Sleep gently. |
william rodgers
Member
Username: Willyorkpa
Post Number: 39
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009 - 07:44 pm: | |
we do not forget Grant.
he lives in my heart and soul |
Leonard Lumbers
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 02:15 am: | |
So, we're here again.
That voice, those songs...a soothing balm.
Fell for a girl last summer, and when I found out she was moving to Perth from Toronto, Canada, the first song I played her to subtly express my objections (!) was 'Bachelor Kisses.'
Sigh. 'Quiet Heart,' 'Apology Accepted,' 'Bachelor Kisses,' 'The Statue,' and on and on. How often Grant's songs have soundtracked my own bloody fluttering heart! Forever a fan, the end of the first week in May is always a little rough.
Best to the Grant's band, his fans, and most of all, his loved ones, during this melancholy time. |
Charles Coy
Member
Username: Coy
Post Number: 129
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 03:28 pm: | |
'I'm keeping you Right Here' |
Pádraig Collins
Member
Username: Pádraig_collins
Post Number: 2783
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 12:53 am: | |
I bought Grant's 6-song 1992 Surround Me EP on the 5th. I was in a record shop and looking through the second hand section. I wondered if that EP, which I've been looking for on CD for years (I bought the cassette version at the time), would be there. A hundred times before it wasn't there. On Tuesday it was. I wasn't thinking of the significance of the following day's date by the way! |
Marco Daniel
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2010 - 03:25 am: | |
The first time of the three times i spoke with Grant was after their Ferntree Gully gig in the band room at the top of the stairs, I was 17. He came across as so friendly and warm. Everyone has their own way of holding themselves, With his, there was a realness and friendly relaxedness.
That Fern Tree Gullly Hotel gig was
twenty two years ago now, but one thing I can remember was the goodbye. Grant was saying," Are we going to see you again?"
I replied, "You now how it is, your famous and everything", and he said "No.." and with a look and a friend to a friend smile, said
"Do-you-want-to see us?".
"then we'll see you" he replied to my "for sure!". That was so nice to connect and be invited in'
The last time I saw him was at The Czech Club In North Melbourne, Robert was resting his voice i think , so his tracks were done instrumentally.
After this beautiful show, the first tour or recording (can't remember which) in 10 years, I see Grant at the bottom of the stairs.
Thank's for the show man, It was so great to see you guys again"
He thanked and told me he was a little in awe of the fact that it had been 10 years.
This time I looked at him, smiling " What's 10 years Ten years is nothing man, and you guys are STILL on it" he smiled and we had a good chat, he was excited about their tour.
That was the last time I saw him.
I went on enjoying the music they were creating
together. Until it happened.
Then I had a dream, where I saw Grant, It might have been 6 months after he passed away. and he was saying, "i really want the Go-betweens to live on"
Just as G.W Mclennan paid a homage to Kate Bush in France, isn't it beautiful to hear a song and all of a sudden you hear the artist slide into something so go-betweensy. They know it, we all know and feel it. The Go-betweens is a feeling.
Thank you both.
When you left it felt like a brother left. One of my brothers felt the same.
Beautiful how music can create a closeness,
In Melbourne, behind the state parliament building, there's a lovely fountain, the JFK memorial.
Go-betweens songs were sung
And an applause echoed off the unknowing government walls
And through the Fitzroy Gardens
An Applause for you
And thank you, and thank you
Thank you Grant |
Carlos Seral
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 04, 2012 - 01:44 pm: | |
Six years later, I'm still listening and joining your music. Always miss you, Grant!
From Spain, Carlos Seral. |
Natasha
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 08, 2012 - 07:12 am: | |
Wow, not sure I'd ever heard this! Which is saying much, as I'm sure I was pyeald every G-B album my wife and I became friends with good friends of the band, to the point of spending 6 weeks in Australia visiting them hence the full body immersion!The guy was the original bass player for the Plug Uglies, whose 12 EP Knock Me Your Lobes was pretty great.Speaking of great Australian albums, everyone is probably familiar with Ed Kuepper and his various incarnations (The Saints; The Aints; Laughing Clowns; as well as various solo work). Much of this was never to my taste (my faulty taste, no doubt) but if you ever get a chance, snag his 1990 solo album Today Wonder an intensely beautiful stripped down work featuring just the man and his guitar (with some unusual effects) and a cardboard box for a drum. It's mind-blowing. |
KAREN
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 06:13 pm: | |
I often wondered what happened to Grant.
I never knew - until today.
Rest in perfect peace and sing songs in Heaven that I can hear on earth.
Karen |
Chazg
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 07:16 am: | |
You know sometimes life passes you by and something sparks a deep memory or emotion, going through uni in the eighties and experiencing the wonderful sounds of bands like the Go-Betweens, sometimes you forget just how great those days were. Just yesterday my daughter in year 10 came up to me and explained to me they studying the Go-Betweens and their influence on modern Australian pop culture, it brought a tear to my eye, which brought me here. How wonderful the children of today can get to live the memory and experience those wonderful moments when people like Grant and bands like the Go-Betweens enrich our lives. RIP Grant, we miss you, the Go-Betweens live on, inspiring a new generation. |
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